Size applicator



Nov. 15, 1966 v l. GRIFFIN 3,284,870

SIZE APPLICATOR Filed Dec. '7, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTORI IRA L. GElFFlN BYMflsJ 4 74411 4 ATTORNEYS Nov. 15, 1966 1.1.. GRIFFIN SIZE APPLICATOR 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Dec. '7, 1964 m o T m w 12A L. 612mm) EJ LM ATTORNEYS Nov. 15, 1966 l. 1.. GRIFFIN SIZE APPLICATOR 6 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Dec. 7, 1964 Nov. 15, 1966 L. GRIFFIN 3,284,870

SIZE APPLICATOR Filed Dec. 7, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 4 ESL INVENTOR: 112A L. GYZH FM' ATTORNEYS Nov. 15, 1966 1. GRIFFIN 3,284,870

S I ZE APPLI CATOR Filed Dec. 7, 1964 s Sheets-Sheet 5 Nov. 15, 1966 1.1.. GRIFFIN 3,284,870

SIZE APPLICATOR Filed Dec. 7, 1964 6 Sheets-Sheet 6 INVENTOR: IRA L. Gm PH N c Byww iu gmw/mi ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,284,870 j SIZE APPLICATOR Ira L. Grifliu, Charlotte, N.C., assignor to Ira L. Grifl'in & Sons, Inc., Charlotte, N.C., a corporation of North Carolina Filed Dec. 7, 1964, Ser. No. 416,301 34 Claims. (Cl. 28'28) The present invention relates generally to an improved size applicator for yarns and more particularly to an improved size applicator that is adapted to apply size treatment to a sheet of textile yarns in a uniform manner as it travels through the size applicator at a high speed.

It has been the practice for many years to utilize an immersion roll at the entrance side of the size box to immediately guide the yarns down into the size solution before they pass through one or more pairs of squeeze rolls and out of the size box. The immersion roll is usually supported for vertical adjustment to vary the depth that the yarn is taken down into the size solution. This vertical adjustment of the immersion roll, along with the adjustment of the pressure on the squeeze rolls, has been used to control the amount of size solution applied to the yarns. The speed at which this type of size box can be operated is limited because the yarn is exposed to the size solution for increasingly short periods as the speed of passage through the size box is increased. Also, when the yarn is merely dipped into the size solution by the immersion roll, it may not properly penetrate the yarn fibers before it i-mmerges from the size so that it will not remain permanently aflixed thereto during subsequent operations, such as weaving and warping. Also, the yarn is under tension as it is pulled beneath the immersion roll so that it may be stretched to an undesirable degree.

With the foregoing in mind, it is a main object of the present invention to provide an improved size applicator which may be operated at much higher speeds than has heretofore been possible to apply the size to the yarns in a uniform manner.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved size applicator which has a novel arrangement of squeeze and immersion rolls that provides successive applications of size and squeezing actions to insure the proper application of the size solution to the yarns.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide :an improved size applicator having an arrangement of squeeze and immersion rolls that continuously supports the yarns throughout their travel through the size box so that the yarns are not stretched and whereby the yarns are maintained in the proper spaced apart relationship to prevent taping or rolling of the yarns upon adjacent yarns.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a size applicator wherein the yarns pass through the squeeze rolls and immersion rolls in such a manner that the size solution is alternately applied to the top and bottom sides of the sheet of yarns as the yarns are maintained in contact with roll surfaces throughout their path of travel through the size box.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved size applicator of the type described that includes an expandible and contractible size displacement member which may be expanded to raise the size level relative to the rolls and which may be contracted to lower the size level relative to the rolls.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved size applicator which includes an arrangement of guide rolls at the entrance end that ope-r- "ice ate to maintain uniform tension in-the sheet of yarns as it passes into the size box.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a guide roll arrangement at the entrance end of the size applicator which is vertically adjustable relative to the rolls in the size box for varying the angle of the path of travel of the sheet of yarns at is moves from the guide rolls to the initial point of contact with the size applying rolls within the size box.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is a plan view of the size applicator of the present invention;

FIGURE 2 is a view taken substantially along the line 22 in FIGURE 1 with the left-hand portion in elevation and the right-hand portion in section;

FIGURE 3 is an elevational view of one side of the size applicator, looking inwardly at the right-hand side of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 4 is a vertical sectional view through the size applicator, being taken substantially along the line 44 in FIGURE 2;

FIGURE 5 is an isometric view of the combination immersion and squeeze rol-l bearing support member, looking in the direction of the arrow 5 in FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 6 is a side elevation of a modified embodiment of the invention, with a section of the frame broken away for illustrative purposes;

FIGURE 7 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 7-7 in FIGURE 6;

FIGURE 8 is a horizontal sectional view at an enlarged scale and being taken substantially along the line 8+8 in FIGURE 7;

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary elevation of the entrance end of the size applicator and showing a modified arrangement of entrance guide rolls which are supported for simultaneous vertical adjustment to vary the angle of entrance of the yarns into the size applicator;

FIGURE 10 is a fragmentary plan view of that portion of the size applicator shown in FIGURE 9, being taken substantially along the line 1010 in FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 11 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 11--11 in FIGURE 10 and showing the guide rolls in a higher adjusted position than they are shown in FIGURE 9;

FIGURE 12 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of another modification of the size applicator;

FIGURE 13 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 13'13 in FIGURE 12;

FIGURE 14 is an isometric view of the bearing sup port member and illustrating the manner in which the combination roll and the immersion roll are supported thereon; v

FIGURE 15 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the automatic releasing of pressure on the first upper squeeze roll;and I FIGURE 16 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the automatic disengagement of the drive to the first lower squeeze roll.

Referring first to FIGURES 1-5, it will be noted that the size applicator includes side frame members 10 and 10' that are bridged adjacent the entrance and exit ends by respective transverse channel bars 11 and 12 (FIG- URE 4) which are suitably connected at opposite ends to the side frames 10 and 10. An insulated tank 13 is supported at its front and rear edges on the channels 11, 12 for retaining size solution S therein and opposite sides of the tank 13 are spaced inwardly from the side frames and 10' (FIGURE 2).

The parts associated with each of the side frames 10, 10' are substantially the same and therefore the parts associated with the side frame 10' bear the same reference characters as corresponding parts associated with the side frame 10, except that they have the prime notation added.

As the sheet of yarns Y enters the entrance or front end of the size box (FIGURE 4), it is supported on spaced apart guide rolls 16, 17 which are mounted for rotation at opposite ends in respective bearing members 18, 18 and 19, 19' that are fixed on the frames 10, 10'. The yarns Y pass beneath a dancing tension control rod 20 which is supported at opposite ends for vertical movement in suitable guideways 21, 21 that are carried by the frames 10, 10' and between the guide rolls 16, 17.

The sheet of yarns Y then passes through the nip formed by a first pair of squeeze rolls including an upper squeeze roll 23' and a lower squeeze roll 24. Opposite ends of the shaft of the lower squeeze roll 24 extend outwardly through suitable seal members in each side of the tank 13 and are suitably supported for rotation in bearing blocks 25, 25'. The end of the shaft of the lower squeeze roll 24 adjacent the bearing block 25 is provided with a chain sprocket 26, for purposes to be presently described. Opposite ends of the shaft of the upper squeeze roll 23 are supported for rotation in the free ends of support arms 27, 27, the opposite ends of which are supported on a shaft 28. Opposite ends of the shaft 28 are suitably supported in the upper ends of bearing stands 29, 29' (FIGURE 1).

The upper ends of connector rods 30, 30' are suitably attached intermediate the ends of the support arms 27, 27 and the lower ends are suitably connected to double acting air cylinders 31, 31'. The air cylinders 31, 31' are suitably secured to the respective frame members 10, 10'. The air cylinders 31, 31' are preferably provided with suitable air hose connections, not shown, which permit pressure to be applied downwardly on the upper squeeze roll 23 to squeeze the yarns Y at the nip of the upper squeeze roll 23 with the lower squeeze roll 24. The air cylinders 31, 31 may also be utilized to lift the upper squeeze roll 23 out of engagement with the lower squeeze roll 24, for purposes to be presently described.

A second pair of squeeze rolls is positioned in spaced relationship from the first pair of squeeze rolls and includes an upper squeeze roll 33 (FIGURE 4) and a lower squeeze roll 34. Opposite ends of the shaft of the lower squeeze roll 34 extend outwardly through suitable seal members in opposite sides of the tank 13 and are supported' for rotation in bearing blocks 35, 35' that are in turn supported on the corresponding side frame 10,

' 10'. The end of the shaft adjacent the bearing block 35 is provided with a chain sprocket 36 (FIGURE 1) and a chain sprocket 36', for purposes to be presently described. The second upper squeeze roll 33 is supported for rotation at opposite ends in the free ends of support arms 37, 37, the opposite ends of which are suitably supported on a transverse shaft 38. Opposite ends of the transverse shaft 38 are suitably supported in bearing stands 39, 39' which are in turn supported on the respective side frames 10, 10'. The upper ends of connector rods 40, 40' are suitably connected intermediate the ends of the support arms 37, 37 and their lower ends are suitably connected to double-acting air cylinders 41, 41. The air cylinders 41, 41' are suitably secured to the respective side frames 10, 10 and are provided with suitable air hose connections, not shown, for selectively applying downward pressure on the upper squeeze roll 33 against the lower squeeze roll 34 and for at times lifting the upper squeeze roll 33 out of contact with the lower squeeze roll 34, for purposes to be presently described.

As the yarns Y move from the nip of the first pair of squeeze rolls 23, 24 to the nip of the second pair of squeeze rolls 33, 34, they pass beneatha combination immersion and squeeze roll 45 (FIGURE 4). As the yarns Y pass beneath the combination roll 45, they are maintained in constant engagement with the surfaces of the lower squeeze roll 24, the combination roll 45 and the lower squeeze roll 34. Thus, the yarns are maintained in the same position, relative to each other, throughout their travel through the size box.

The reduced shaft portions at each end of the combination roll 45 is supported for rotation in a bearing block 50 (FIGURE 5) which is in turn supported for limited vertical movement in a guideway 51 formed on the inner endof a bearing support member 52. It will be noted in FIGURE 5 that the bearing support member 52 is substantially L-shaped and the vertically disposed inner end is adapted to extend down into the tank 13 (FIGURE 2) while the horizontal portion extends over the upper edge of the tank 13.

The horizontal portion of the bearing support member 52 has the upper end of a lifter rod 53 fixed thereto. The lifter rod 53 is a part of a roll lifting jack mechanism, broadly indicated at 54. As shown in FIGURE 2, the jack mechanism 54 is suitably supported on the side frame 10 and a similar jack mechanism 54' is suitably supported on theside frame 10'. The jack mechanisms 54 each preferably include a vertically disposed screw, not shown,

that is raised and lowered by suitable gearing in the jack housing to impart vertical movement to the lifter rod 53. A control shaft 55 is connected to the gearing in the housings of the jacks 54, 54' (FIGURE 2) and is rotatably supported adjacent opposite ends in the respective side frames 10, 10'. Opposite ends of the shaft 55 are provided with suitable hand wheels 56, 56'.

Either of the hand wheels 56 may be rotated to simultaneously raise the lifter rods 53, 53' and the connected bearing support members 52, 52' upwardly so that the combination immersion and pressure roll 45 is raised out lower the lifter rods 53, 53' and the bearing support members 52, 52' to the position shown in FIGURE 2, the

' combination immersion and pressure roll 45 will rest by gravity against the lower squeeze rolls 24, 34, to provide a pair of nips therewith. At this position, the bearing block 50 (FIGURE 5) is in a floating position in the guideway 51 and pressure applying means is associated with the combination immersion and squeeze roll 45 for urging the same into pressure engagement with the lower squeeze rolls 24, 34 so that the yarns Y passing beneath the combination roll 45 will be squeezed at each of these nips. The size level is preferably maintained at substantially the level of the nips of the combination roll 45 with the lower squeeze rolls 24, 34 when the yarns are moving through the size box at the normal high speed.

The pressure applying means for the combination roll 45 includes a pressure applying lever 60 (FIGURE 5), the inner end of which has a downwardly extending portion that is adapted to engage the upper end of the bearing block 50. The lever 60 is supported intermediate its ends on a pivot pin 61 that is mounted in upstanding ears formed on the bearing support member 52. The outer end of the lever 60 extends outwardly beyond and above the side frame 10 and overlies the upper end of the push rod 63. The lower end of the push rod 63 is suitably connected to an air cylinder 64 which is in turn supported on the side frame 10. As shown in FIGURE 2, a similar air cylinder 64' is supported on the frame member 10' and has a push rod 63' which is adapted to engage the outer end of a pressure applying lever 60. Suitable air hose connections, not shown, are provided on the air cylinders 64, 64 so that upward pressure can be applied to the outer ends of the levers 60, 60' through the pushrods 63, 63 to in turn apply downward pressure on the bear ing blocks 50, 50' and the combination immersion and squeeze roll 45. a a

The size and type of rollsused in the size applicator may be varied, however, it is preferred that the lower squeeze rolls 24, 34 be stainless steel and have a 9" diameter, the upper squeeze rolls 23, 24 be rubber covered and have a diameter of 7", and the combination immersion and squeeze roll 45 be rubber covered and have a 5 /2" diameter. When rolls of this diameter are utilized, the lower squeeze rolls 24, 34 are preferably set about 4" apart so that the yarns pass below the level of the size solution as they pass beneath the combination roll 45.

With the rolls in the position shown in FIGURE 4, the yarns are maintained in fixed relationship (relative to each other) as they enter the squeeze roll 24 and they remain in this position as they pass through the size box. As the yarns leave the first nip, they are successively held in position on the lower squeeze roll 24, the combination roll 45 and the lower squeeze roll 34.

As the lower squeeze roll rotates in a clockwise direction (FIGURE 4), it brings the size solution up beneath the sheet of yarns Y just prior to its passage between the first set of rolls 23, 24. The pressure of the upper squeeze roll 23 against the lower squeeze roll '24 insures the uniform application of the size to the yarns as they pass through this nip. Counterclockwise rotation of the combination roll 45 brings size into the valley at the nip of the lower squeeze roll 24 so that size is again applied to the yarns before they are squeezed at this second nip. Then, as the yarns pass beneath the combination roll 45, size is applied thereto before they are again squeezed at the nip of the combination roll 45 with the lower squeeze roll 34. A valley of size is maintained between the combination roll 45 and the lower squeeze roll 34 (as it flows down the lower squeeze roll from the nip of the upper squeeze roll 33 with the lower squeeze roll 34) so that size is again applied to the yarns. The final squeeze of the yarn occurs as they pass through the nip of the upper squeeze roll 33 with the lower squeeze roll 34 and leave the size box.

Thus, as the yarns pass through the size box, they are constantly held in contact with the roll surfaces so that the yarns are not placed under tension and stretched while in wet condition. It is preferred that both of the lower squeeze rolls 24, 34 be driven at the same speed and this may be accomplished by means of a connector chain 70 which extends around the sprockets 26 and 36 (FIGURE 1) and a main drive chain 71 that extends around the drive sprocket 36'.

As the yarns pass through the size box, the size is alternately applied to the bottom of the sheet, the top of the sheet, the bottom of the sheet, and to the top of the sheet. Immediately after each of these alternate applications of size, the yarns are squeezed so that the yarns are squeezed four different times. Suitable steam coils 72 and 73 (FIGURE 4) are provided in the tank 13 to maintain the desired temperature in the size solution S. Since the yarns Y are maintained in contact with rolls throughout their travel through the size box, relatively high temperatures may be maintained in the size solution since any steam issuing into the liquid size, boiling of the size, or turbulence on the surface of the size cannot disturb the relationship of yarns to each other. The position of steam coil 72 (FIGURE 4) between the lower immersion rolls 24, 34 also insures the proper heating of the size where the yarns pass beneath the combination immersion and pressure roll 45.

During normal high speed operation, the size level is preferably maintained at a level substantially corresponding to the nips of the combination roll 45 with the lower squeeze rolls 24, 34. However, when it is necessary to operate the size box at a reduced or creep speed (usually 3 to 5 yards per minute), it is preferred that the level of the size solution be instantly raised so that hard size or set marks do not form on the yarns. In order to accomplish the immediate raising of the size level, an expandible and contraotible si'ze displacement member, broadly indicated at 80, is submerged in the size solution. The size displacement member is preferably in the form of an elongate flexible tube 81 of a high temperature resistant material which may be easily expanded or inflated and contracted or deflated to correspondingly raise and lower the size level relative to the nips of the rolls.

As best shown in FIGURE 2, the flexible tube 81 is closed at each end and extends between and below the lower squeeze rolls 24, 34. The tube 8 1 is held in the lower portion of the tank 13 -by hold-down strap members 82, only one of which is shown in FIGURE 2. The tube 81 is shown in partially deflated or contracted condition in FIGUR'ES 2 and 4 and has one end of an air line 83 connected thereto (FIGURE 2). Air may be introduced in the line 83 to inflate or expand the flexible tube 81 to the dash-dot line position shown in FIGURE 2 or the air may be withdrawn from the tube 81 to lower the level of the size in the tank 13.

It is preferred that the air line 83 have a suitable air valve interposed therein that operates to automatically inflate or expand the tube 81 and raise the level of the size above the nips of the combination roll 45 with the lower squeeze rolls 24, 34 when the size box is operated at a reduced speed. It is also preferred that the tube 81 be automatically deflated to the desired degree so that the size level is immediately lowered to the normal level when the size box resumes normal high speed operation. It is also preferred that the size box he provided with means for automatically relieving the downward pressure on the first upper squeeze roll 23 when the combination roll 45 is raised out of contact with the lower squeeze rolls 24, '34 so that the squeeze rolls 33, 34 will pull the sheet of yarns Y up in a straight path and raise them out of the size solution. 7

In the first embodiment of the size box shown in FIG- URES 1-5, the combination roll 45 is raised to the inoperative position and lowered to the operative position by means of the jack mechanisms 54, 54 While the squeezing pressure is applied to the combination roll 45 by means of the air cylinders 64, 64'. However, in some instances, it may be desirable to accomplish both of these functions by a single mecahnism, such as is disclosed in the modified form of the size applicator shown in FIG- URES 68. Many of the parts of the size applicator shown in FIGURES 68 are identical to corresponding parts of the size applicator shown in FIGURES 1-5 and, therefore, similar parts will bear like reference characters with a suflix a added thereto.

As best shown in FIGURE 7, the shaft at opposite ends of the combination immersion and pressure roll 45a is rotatively supported in the vertical legs of L-shaped bearing support members 52a and 52a while the outwardly extending horizontal portions thereof are fixed to and supported on the upper ends of respective piston rods 85 and 85. The lower ends of the piston rods 85, 85' are provided with pistons, not shown, that are mounted for vertical movement in air cylinders 86, 86'. The air cylinders 86, 86 are suitably supported on the side frames 10a and 10a and in the spaces between these frame members and the tank 13a. Suitable air hose connections are provided to the air cylinders 86,- 86 for raising and lowering the piston rods 85, 85' to in turn raise and lower the combination immersion and squeeze roll 45a. Thus, the combination roll 45a may be moved downwardly into pressure engagement with the lower squeeze rolls 24a and 34a so that two squeezing actions are applied to the yarns as they pass beneath the combination roll 45a. The air cylinders 86, 86' may also be utilized to raise the combination roll 45a upwardly out of contact with the lower squeze rolls and to an inoperative position between the upper squeeze rolls 23a and 33a.

It is preferred that the air cylinders. 86, 86 operate together to simultaneously raise and lower both ends of the. combination roll 45a and so that this roll is raised and lowered in a level condition. To this end, an air cylinder equalizer mechanism is provided to tie together the bearing support members 52a, 52a so that they must operate simultaneously. This equalizer mechanism in cludes vertically disposed guides 87, 87 (FIGURE 7) the upper ends of which are suitably connected to the respective bearing support members 52a, 52a and the medial portions of which are supported for vertical movement in guide members 88, 88. These guide members 88, 88 are shown connected .to opposite sides of the tank 13a, however, they could also be suitably supported on the side frames a, 10a. The lower ends of the guide members 87, 87' have gear rack teeth 89, 89 formed on one edge thereof and which are engaged by respective gears 90, 90. The gears 90, 90' are fixed on a transverse control shaft 91 which extends beneath the tank 13a and is supported for rotation at opposite ends in the frame members t10a, 10a.

As air pressure enters the lower ends of the cylinders 86, 86', the bearing support brackets 62a, 62a are simultaneously raised since they are tied together by means of the guides 87, 87, the gears 90, 90' and the common control shaft 91. Then, when the air pressure enters the upper ends of the air cylinders 86, 86 (to lower the combination roll 45a into pressure engagement with the lower squeeze rolls 24a, 34a), the bearing support members 52a, 5211' are simultaneously lowered to maintain the combination roll 45 in a level or horizontal condition as it is lowered to engage the sheet of yarns Y and squeeze them against the lower squeeze rolls 24a, 34a. Thus, in the modified form of size applicator shown in FIGURES 6-8, a single mechanism is employed for raising the combination roll 45a up to an inoperative position and for lowering the. same into pressure engagement with the lower squeeze rolls 24a, 34a.

In both forms of the invention, the manner in which the sheet of yarns passes through the first and second pairs of squeeze rolls and beneath the combination roll therebetween provides for the uniform application of size to the yarns by means of alternately applying the size to the top and bottom of the sheet of yarns and squeezing the yarns four times as they pass therethrough. The concept of the present invention has been disclosed in a completely new size applicator, however, it is to be understood that size applicators presently in operation could be modified to apply size to the yarn in a uniform manner by the adaptation of the concepts of the-present invention. For

example, many size boxes presently in operation have spaced apart sets of upper and lower squeeze rolls and this type of size box could be modified by adding a combination immersion and pressure roll and means for moving the same into pressure engagement with the spaced .apart lower squeeze rolls. Also, the expandible and contractible size displacement member of the present invention might be advantageously added to present size boxes to aid in controlling the level of the size maintained therein and for quickly reducing the level of the size to expose portions of the rolls therein to view of the operator for inspection purposes and for cutting laps therefrom.

A further modification of the size applicator is shown in FIGURES 9-11 and since many of the parts are identical to corresponding parts of the size applicator shown in FIGURES 1-5 and the modified size applicator shown in FIGURES 6-8, similar parts will bear like reference characters with the sufiix b added thereto. As best shown in FIGURES 9 and 11, the upper entrance or front ends of the side frames 10b, 10b, are provided with guide roll support members 100,100 which are suitably supported on the front edges of the side frames 10b, 10b. Bolts 101 (FIGURE 9) are supported in vertical slots, not shown, in the front edges of the side frames 10b, 10bf so that the guide roll support members may be raised and lowered, by means tobe presently described.

Spaced apart guide rolls 16b and 17b are supported for rotation at opposite ends in bearing members 18b, 19b and 18b, 19b which are fixed on the support members 100, A tension control roll 103 is positioned between and below the guide rolls 16b, 17b and supported at opposite ends for vertical movement in guideways 21b and 21b. The guideways 21b, 21b are supported on the inner faces of the support members 100, 100' and at times the opposite ends of the roll 103 may be supported in a fixed position therein, as when a new set of yarns is tied on.

The space between the guide rolls 16b, 17b should be less than the diameter of the tension control roll 103 so that the tension roll 103 is drawn upwardly against the guide rolls 16b, 17b by the sheet of yarns Y as they enter the size box over the guide roll 16b, pass beneath the tension control roll 103 and then over the guide roll 17b in their path of travel to the nip of the first pair of squeeze rolls 23b, 24b. The sheet of yarns Y is withdrawn from the slasher creel and must travel a considerable distance before it passes through the nip at the first pair of squeeze rolls 23b, 24b so that the yarns may not be easily maintained in the proper spaced apart relationship over this distance. However, the spaced relationship of the yarns is maintained by the guide rolls 16b, 17b and the tension control roll 103. These rolls provide an anchor point that is positioned in fairly close proximity to the nip of the rolls 23b, 24b so that there can be no lateral shifting of the yarns before they engage the size applying rolls. When the sheet of yarns is slack, the control roll 103 is lowered in the guideways 21b, 21b by gravity to thereby maintain uniform tension in the yarns and take up the slack.

The angle at which the sheet of yarns Y enters the nip of the first pair of squeeze rolls 23b, 24b has some effect upon the manner in which the size is applied to the yarns. For example, when the yarns travel upwardly from the second guide rolls 17b to the nip of the squeeze rolls 23b, 24b (in the manner illustrated in FIGURE 9), the bulk of the size brought up by the roll 24b passes up through the yarns and is applied on top of the sheet Y. This condition permits a greater amount of size to be applied to the top side of the yarns as they are initially squeezed. On the other hand, if the yarns extend from the second guide roll 17b to the nip of the squeeze rolls 23b, 24b at a downward angle (as shown in FIGURE 11), the bulk of the size stays below the sheet of yarns Y. When the yarns enter-thenip of the squeeze rolls 23b, 24b, in a horizontal plane, most of the size remains below the sheet and a small amount passes through to the top side.

Thus, by providing means for adjusting the angular dis- (FIGURES 9 and 11). The brackets 106, 106 are suitably secured to the forward edges of the respective side frame members 10b, 10b. The jack mechanisms include lifting rods 107, 107' which are suitably secured at their upper ends to the lower surfaces of the respective extensions 100, 100'. The housing of the jack mechanisms 105, are provided with a lifting screw and suitable worms and gears, not shown, which are operated by a transverse control shaft 110. The control shaft 110 extends outwardly beyond the side frames b, 10b and has suitable hand wheels 111, 111' fixed thereto. Thus, ro-

, tation of the hand wheels 111, 111 moves the extensions 100, 100' upwardly or downwardly to simultaneously raise or lower the guide rolls 16b, 17b and the tension control roll 103 and change the angular path of travel of the sheet of yarns Y as they enter the nip of the first pair of squeeze rolls 23b, 24b.

If desired, the guide roll 17b may be driven at the same speed as the lower squeeze rolls 24b, 34b. The roll 17b may also be driven at a greater or lesser speed than the squeeze rolls 24b, 34b. The roll 17b and/or roll 16b may be driven by any suitable means and, if desired, they may be driven from the size box drive motor or from an independent drive means.

Yet another modification of the size applicator is shown in FIGURES 12-14 and, since many of the parts are identical to corresponding parts of the size applicators described heretofore, similar parts will bear like reference characters with the suffix c added thereto. As best shown in FIGURE 12, an additional immersion roll 115 is supported for rotation is spaced relationship below the combination immersion and pressure roll 450.

It is preferred that this immersion roll 115 be supported to rotate in the size solution S so that the sheet of yarns Y is dipped into the size solution as it passes beneath the immersion roll 115. The upper level of the size solution S is shown below the shafts of the lower squeeze rolls 24c, 34c, however, it is to be understood that the size level could be maintained at substantially the nip of the combination roll 45c with the lower squeeze rolls, as shown in FIGURE 4, or at any desired level therebelow.

As shown in FIGURES 13 and 14, opposite ends of the immersion roll 115 are supported for rotation in the lower end of the vertical leg of the bearing support members 52c, 520' which extend down into the tank 130. In addition to the steam pipe 73c (FIGURE 12), it is preferred that additional steam pipes 116, 117 be provided below and adjacent opposite sides of the immersion roll 115. These additional steam pipes 116, 117 aid in maintaining the size solution at the desired temperature where the yarns are dipped into the size solution by the immersion roll 115.

As shown in FIGURE 12, the sheet of yarns Y enters the front end of the size applicator over the guide rolls 16c, 17c and beneath the tension control rod 20c. The sheet of yarns Y then passes through the nip of the first upper squeeze roll 23c and the first lower squeeze roll 24c, through the nip of the combination immersion and pressure roll 45c and the lower squeeze roll 24c, beneath the immersion roll 115, between the nip of the combination roll 45c and the lower squeeze roll 34c, through the nip of the upper squeeze roll 23c and the second lower squeeze =rol-l 34c, and then passes out of the size applicator. Since both of the lower squeeze rolls 24c, 340 are driven at the same speed (in the manner illustrated in FIGURES 1 and 2), there can be no stretching of the yarns as they pass from the lower squeeze roll 24c, beneath the immersion roll 115 and to the lower squeeze roll 340.

As the yarns pass through the size applicator, they are given successive applications of size on opposite sides of the sheet and are successively squeezed four times as they pass through the size applicator, in the same manner as that described in connection with the first form of size applicator shown in FIGURES l-4. In the modified form of size applicator shown in FIGURES 12-14, the yarns have greater exposure to the size solution as they pass beneath the immersion roll 115. If desired, the immersion roll 115 may be bypassed so that the yarns travel the same path as shown in FIGURE 4.

The degree of exposure of the yarns may be varied by changing the speed of travel of the yarns, changing the level of the size solution, or by varying the vertical position of the immersion roll 115. The position of the immersion roll below the combination roll 450 may be adjusted as desired by varying the amount of vertical movement of the bearing support member 530 by means of the jack mechanisms 54c, 54c and then when the desired depth of the immersion roll 115 is reached, the air cylinders 64c, 640' can be actuated to apply the desired amount of pressure on the combination roll 45c.

If desired, the size displacement member may be added to the size applicator shown in FIGURES 12 and 13 to aid in varying the level of the size when desired. Also, the size applicator shown in FIGURES 12 and 13 may be provided with the vertically adjustable guide rolls, as shown in FIGURES 9-11. The bearing support members 52c, 52c may also be raised and lowered by a single mechanism which operates to raise and lower the com bination roll 45c and the immersion roll 115 and to apply pressure to the combination roll 450, in a manner similar to the mechanism illustrated in FIGURES 6 and 7.

In most size boxes, broken yarns normally tend to lap up on the immersion roll as the first enter the size roll. However, by positioning the immersion roll 115 between the pairs of squeeze rolls 23c, 24c and 330, 340, any broken yarns are held in position by a film of size connecting themto adjacent yarns so that they do not wind up or lap on the immersion roll.

In each of the forms of the size applicator disclosed heretofore, the sheet of yarns is squeezed four times as it passes therethrough and the size is alternately applied to the top ahd bottom sides of the sheet so that a uniform application of size is applied to the yarns as they pass through the size applicator at a relatively high speed. However, in some instances it may not be necessary or desirable to squeeze the yarns four times as they pass through the size applicator. In these cases, the combination roll 450 (FIGURE 12) can be left out and the yarns will pass down from the first lower squeeze roll 24c, beneath the immersion roll 115, and then up and over the second lower squeeze roll 340. With the combination roll 45c removed, the yarns will be squeezed two times, one time at the nip of the first squeeze rolls 23c, 24c (commonly referred to as the dresser rolls) and another time at the nip of the second squeeze rolls 33c, 340 (commonly referred to as the finishing rolls).

When the immersion roll 115 and the combination immersion and pressure roll 450 are raised to the dotted line position shown in FIGURE 12, the sheet of yarns Y must be brought up out of the size solution S and this may be accomplished by either of the means schematically shown in FIGURE 15 or in FIGURE 16. By means of the mechanism shown in FIGURE 15, the pressure of the first upper squeeze roll 23c against the lower squeeze roll 240 is released so that the tension control rod 200 and driving engagement of the second upper squeeze I011 330 with the lower squeeze rolls 34c can act together to bring the yarns up out of the size and into a horizontal position between the nips of the first and second pairs of squeeze rolls.

As shown in FIGURE 15, the air motors or cylinders 31c, 31c are connected by an air line which has one end of an air supply line 121 connected thereto. The other end of the air supply line 121 is connected to any suitable source of air under pressure and has an electrical- -ly operable valve 122 interposed therein. When the air valve 122 is in the position shown in FIGURE 15, air under pressure is introduced to the air cylinders 31c, 31c to apply downward pressure on the upper squeeze roll 230 against the lower squeeze roll 240.

Electric wires 124, 125 are suitably connected at one end to an electric plug 126 which may be connected to any suitable source of electrical energy, not shown, and the other ends of the respective wires 124, 125 are connected to a solenoid coil 127 and a normally open switch 128. A manually operable main switch 128a is interposed in the wires 124, 125. An electric wire 129 con- I 1 nects the other side of the solenoid 127 with the other side of the normally open switch 128.

When the bearing support members 52c, 52c are raised by means of the jack mechanisms 54c, 540', a switch operating arm 130, carried by the lifting rod 530' engages the switch 128 and closes the same so that the solenoid coil 127 rotates the valve 122 to a position where the air supply is cut off from the air cylinders 31c, 31c and release the downward pressure on the first upper squeeze roll 230. This release of the pressure will permit the tension rod 200(FIG1URE 112) to apply a backward tension on the sheet of yarns and take up any slack that develops as the immersion roll 115 is raised. Also, with continued rotation of the second pair of squeeze rolls 33c, 340, the ylarns will be drawn up out of the size solution to a horizontal position as the immersion roll 115 and the combination roll 450 are raised.

As shown in FIGURE 16, an electromagnetic clutch 132 is interposed in the drive shaft of the lower squeeze roll 240. The clutch 132 normally operates to drivingly connect the'lower squeeze roll 24a to the driving motor, not shown, by means of the sprockets 26, 3-6, 36' and the sprocket chains 70, 71 so that the lower squeeze roll 24c and the lower squeeze roll 34c are driven together and at substantially the same speed. Wires 133 and 134 are connected at one end to an electric plug 135 which is adapted to be connected to any suitable source of electrical energy, not shown, and their other ends are respectively connected to corresponding sides of the electromagnetic clutch 132 and a normally open switch 136. A manually operable main switch 137 is interposed intermediate with the ends of the wires 133, 134. A wire 138 connects the electromagnetic clutch with the other side of the normally open switch 136.

A switch operating arm 140 is carried by the lifting rod 53a of the jack mechanism 54c :and is adapted to engage and close the switch 136 when the combination roll 45c and the immersion roll 115 are raised to the inoperative position so that the electromagnetic clutch 132 is energized to disconnect the driving connection between the sprocket 26 and the lower squeeze roll 24c. With continued movement of the second pair of squeeze rolls 24c, 340, the slack in the sheet of yarns is taken up so that they are withdrawn from the size solution and extend in a substantially horiztonal plane between the first pair of squeeze rolls and the second pair of squeeze rolls.

While the mechanisms shown in FIGURES 15 and 16 i are illustrated in connection with the modified form of size box shown in FIGURES 12-14, it is to be understood that these mechanisms could also be utilized with the size boxes shown in the other modified forms. In most of the modifications disclosed herein, the combination roll 45 is pressed against the spaced apart lower squeeze rolls 24, 34 and acts as a combination immersion and squeeze roll. Thus, the combination roll may also be termed a saddle roll. Y

In cases where :a light set is being sized or where certain continuous filament yarns are being sized, it is desirable that the number of squeezes on the yarns be reduced. In these cases, the second upper squeeze roll 33 may be omitted and then the final squeeze will occur at the nip of the combination roll 45 and the second lower squeeze roll 34. When the upper squeeze roll 33 is omitted, the downward pressure applied to the combination roll 45 will be increased to the degree required at the final squeeze.

In the drawings and specification there have been set forth preferred embodiments of the-invention and, although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive ense only, and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.

I claim: 7

1. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a sheet of yarns norm-ally traveling therethrough at high speeds and comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) first and second spaced apart pair of squeeze rolls,

each pair of squeeze rolls including (1) a lower squeeze roll at least partially smbmerged in the size solution, and

(2) an upper squeeze roll engageable with said lower squeeze roll,

(c) means creating pressure engagement between the upper and lower squeeze rolls to vform yarn squeezing nips therebetween,

(d) a combination immersion and squeeze roll positioned between said lower squeeze rolls,

(e) means for creating pressure engagement between said combination roll and said lower squeeze roll to form a pair of yarn squeezing nips therebetween, and

(f) means for directing the sheet of yarns into the size box and through the nip of said first \pair of squeeze rolls to successively pass through the nip of said combination roll with the first lower squeeze roll, beneath said combination roll, through the nipof said combination roll with the second lower squeeze roll, and then through the nip of said second pair of squeeze rolls to provide fo ur squeezing actions on the sheet of yarns.

2. A size applicator according to claim 1 wherein the means for directing the sheet of yarns into the size box includes means [for varying the angle at which said yarns are fed to the nip of the first pair of upper and lower squeeze rolls.

3. A size applicator according to claim 1 including expand-ible and contractible size displacement means at least partially submerged in the size solution, and means for expanding said size displacement means to raise the size level and for contracting said size displacement means to lower the size level.

4. A size applicator according to claim 1 wherein said upper squeeze rolls of said first and second pairs are of substantially the same diameter and have a lesser diameter than said lower squeeze rolls.

5. A size applicator according to claim 4 wherein the diameter of said combination roll is less than the diameter of said upper squeeze rolls, and wherein the rotational axis of said lower squeeze rolls is below the rotational axis of said combination roll.

6. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a sheet of yarns comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) a first pair of squeeze rolls including (1) a lower squeeze roll partially submerged in the size solution, and

(2) an upper Squeeze roll is substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll,

(0) pressure applying means associated with said first upper squeeze roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze roll to form a nip therewith,

(d) a second pair of squeeze rolls including (1) a lower squeeze roll spaced from said first lower squeeze roll and partially submerged in the size solution at substantially the same level as said first lower squeeze roll, said lower squeeze rolls of said first and second pairs being of substantially the same diameter, and

(2) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll and being of substantially the same diameter as said first upper squeeze roll, the diameters of said upper squeeze rolls of said first and second pairs being less than the diameters of said lower squeeze rolls,

(e) pressure applying means associated with said second upper squeeze roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze roll to form a nip therewith,

(f) a combination immersion and squeeze roll positioned between said lower squeeze rolls, the diameter of said combination roll being greater than the space between said lower squeeze rolls and being less than the diameters of said upper squeeze roll and said lower squeeze rolls, said combination roll being partially submerged in the size solution and having its rotational axis above the rotational axis of said lower squeeze rolls,

(g) means associated with said combination roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze rolls to form a pair of nips therewith,

(h) means for directing the sheet of yarns into the size box and through the nip of said first pair of squeeze rolls to successively pass beneath said combination roll and through the nips of said combination roll with said lower squeeze rolls, and then through the nip of said second pair of squeeze rolls to provide four squeezing actions on the sheet of yarns, and

(i) means associated with at least one of said lower squeeze rolls for driving said rolls to pass the sheet of yarns through said size box at a predetermined speed.

7. A size applicator according to claim 6 wherein said pressure applying means (c) and (e) each include means for raising said upper squeeze rolls to a position spaced above said lower squeeze rolls.

8. A size applicator according to claim 6 including means associated with said combination roll for lifting the same out of pressure contact with said lower squeeze rolls and for raising the same to a position above said tank.

9. A size applicator according to claim 6 including bearing means supporting each end of said combination roll, bearing support members extending over said tank and having their inner ends disposed inwardly of opposite sides of said tank, means on the inner ends of said bearing support members for supporting said bearing means for limited vertical movement thereon, and roll lifting means disposed outside of said tank and associated with the outer ends of said bearing support members forselectively raising said combination roll out of contact with and above said lower squeeze rolls and for lowering said combination roll into contact with said lower squeeze rolls.

10. A size applicator according to claim 9 wherein said means (g) includes a pressure applying lever pivotally supported intermediate its ends on each of said heating support members, the inner ends of said levers each being adapted to engage the upper ends of corresponding ones of said vertically movable bearing means and the outer ends of said levers each extending beyond said bearing support members, and operator means operative upon the outer ends of said levers for raising the same to move said bearing means downward and apply pressure to said combination roll against said lower squeeze rolls.

11. A size applicator according to claim 10 wherein said operator means includes a vertically disposed push rod positioned beneath the outer ends of each of said levers, and an air cylinder operatively associated with the lower end of each of said push rods, the upper ends of said push rods being adapted to engage the outer ends of corresponding ones of said levers, the air cylinders being operable to raise said push rods and the outer ends of said levers to apply pressure to said combination roll against said lower squeeze rolls.

12. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a sheet of yarns comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) roll means positioned within said tank and at least 14 partially submerged in the size solution for guiding the sheet of yarns through said size applicator to apply a predetermined amount of size thereto,

(c) expandible and contractible size displacement means at least partially submerged in the size solution, and

(d) means associated with said size displacement means for expanding and contracting the same to correspondingly raise and lower the size level relative to said roll means.

13. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a sheet of yarns comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) roll means positioned within said tank and at least partially submerged in the size solution for guiding the sheet of yarns through said size applicator to ap ply a predetermined amount of size thereto,

(c) an elongate expandible and contractible flexible tube submerged in the size solution, and

((1) means associated with said flexible tube for introducing fluid thereinto to expand the same to raise the size level relative to said roll means and for withdrawing fluid therefrom to contract said flexible tube to lower the size level relative to said roll means.

14. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a sheet of yarns comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) roll means positioned within said tank and at least partially submerged in the size solution for guiding the sheet of yarns through said size applicator to apply a predetermined amount of size thereto,

(c) an elongate expandible and contractible flexible tube,

(d) means carried by said tank for supporting said flexible tube in said tank and submerged in the size solution, and

(e) means associated with said flexible tube for introducing fluid thereinto to expand the same to raise the size level relative to said roll means and for withdrawing therefrom to contract said flexible tube to lower the size level relative to said roll means.

15. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a sheet of yarns comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) a first pair of squeeze rolls including v (1) a lower squeeze roll partially submerged in the size solution, and

(2) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll,

(c) pressure applying means associated with said first upper squeeze roll for urging the same into ressure engagement with said lower squeeze roll to form a nip therewith,

(d) a second pair of squeeze rolls including (1) a lower squeeze roll spaced from said first lower squeeze roll and partially submerged in the size solution at substantially the same level as said first lower squeeze roll, said lower squeeze rolls of said first and second pairs being of substantially the same diameter, and

(2) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll and being of substantially the same diameter as said first upper squeeze roll, the diameters of said upper squeeze rolls of said first and second pairs being less than the diameters of said lower squeeze rolls,

(e) pressure applying means associated with said sec ond upper squeeze roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze roll to form a nip therewith,

(f) a combination immersion and squeeze roll positioned between said lower squeeze rolls, the diameter of said combination r-oll being greater than the space between said lower squeeze rolls and being less than the diameters of said upper squeeze rolls and said lower squeeze rolls, said combination roll being partially submerged in the size solution and having its rotatational axis above the rotational axis of said lower squeeze rolls, I

(g) means associated with said combination roll for selectively raising the same upwardly out of contact with said lower squeeze rolls and for lowering the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze rolls to form a pair of nips therewith,

(h) means for directing the sheet of yarns into the size box and through the nip of said first pair of squeeze rolls to successively pass beneath said combination roll and through the nips of said combination roll with said lower squeeze rolls, and then through the nip of said second pair of squeeze rolls to provide four squeezing actions on the sheet of yarns, and

(i) means associated with at least one of said lower squeeze rolls for driving said rolls to pass the sheet of yarns through said size box at a predetermined speed.

16. A size applicator according to claim 15 wherein said means (g) includes bearing means supporting each end of said combination roll, bearing support members extending over said tank and having their inner ends disposed inwardly of opposite sides of said tank, the outer ends of said bearing support members being disposed outwardly of opposite sides of said tank, lifting rods being connected at their upper ends to the outer ends of corresponding bearing support members, air cylinders connected to the lower ends of corresponding ones of said lifting rods, said air cylinders being operable to selectively raise said combination roll out of contact with said lower squeeze rolls and to lower the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze rolls.

17. A size applicator according to claim 16 including air cylinder equalizer means comprising a transverse shaft supported for rotation and extending beneath said tank, a pair of pinions fixed on said shaft and adjacent opposite sides of said tank, and vertically disposed links connected at their upper ends to corresponding bearing support members, the lower ends of said links having rack teeth engaging said pinions, said equalizer means being operable to cause said air cylinders to raise and lower opposite ends of said combination roll together.

18. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a sheet of yarns comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) a first pair of squeeze rolls including (1) a lower squeeze roll partially submerged in the size solution, and

(2) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll,

() pressure applying means associated with said first upper squeeze roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze roll to form a nip therewith,

(d) a second pair of squeeze rolls including (1) a lower squeeze roll spaced from said first lower squeeze roll and partially submerged in the size solution at substantially the same level as said first lower squeeze roll, said lower squeeze roll of said first and second pairs being of substantially the same diameter, and

(2) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll and being of substantially the same diameter as said first upper squeeze roll, the diameters of said upper squeeze rolls of said first and second pairs 16 being less than the diameters of said lower squeeze rolls,

(e) pressure applying means associated with said second squeeze roll for urging the same into pressure engamement with said lower squeeze roll to form a nip therewith,

(f) a combination immersion and squeeze roll positioned between said lower squeeze rolls, the diameter of said combination roll being greater than the space between said lower squeeze rolls and being less than the diameter of said upper squeeze rolls and said lower squeeze rolls, s-aid combination roll being partially submerged in the size solution and having its rotational axis above the rotational axis of said lower squeeze rolls,

(g) means associated with said combination roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze rolls to form a pair of nips therewith and for lifting said combination roll out of pressure engagement and out of contact with said lower squeeze roll to maintain the same in spaced apart vertical position above said lower squeeze rolls,

(h) means for guiding the sheet of yarns into the size box and through the nip of said first pair of squeeze rolls to successively pass beneath said combination roll and through the nips of said combination roll with said lower squeeze rolls, and then through the nip of said second pair of squeeze rolls to provide four squeezing actions on the sheet of yarns, said guide means including (1) a pair of spaced apart guide rolls supported for rotation in advance of said first pair of squeeze rolls, said guide rolls being supported at substantially the same level, and

(2) a tension control roll supported for vertical movement between and below said guide rolls, the diameter of said tension control roll being greater than the space between said guide rolls and limiting upward movement of said tension control roll, the sheet of yarns passing over the first guide roll, down beneath said tension control roll, and up over the second guide roll and to the nip of said first pair of squeeze rolls, said tension control roll normally being drawn upwardly toward said guide rolls when the sheet of yarns is under normal tension and moving to a lower position when the tension in the sheet of yarns is reduced to maintain uniform tension on the sheet of yarns passing into the nip of said pair of squeeze rolls, and

(i) means associated with at least one of said lower squeeze rolls for driving said rolls to pass the sheet of yarns through said size box at a predetermined speed.

19. A size applicator for applying size to a sheet of yarns comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) roll means positioned Within said tank and at least partially submerged in the size solution for guiding the sheet of yarns through said size applicator to apply a predetermined amount of size thereto, and

(c) means at the entrance end of said size applicator for guiding the sheet of yarns to said roll means and for maintaining the individual yarns in uniform- 1y spa'ced relationship, said guide means including (1) a pair of spaced apart guide rolls supported at substantially the same level, and

(2) a tension control roll supported for vertlcal movement between and below said guide rolls, the diameter of said tension control roll being greater than the space between said guide rolls and limiting upward movement of said tension control roll, the sheet of yarns passing over the first guide roll, down beneath said tension control roll, and up over the second guide roll and to said roll means, said tension con trol normally being drawn up into substantial engagement with said guide rolls when the sheet of yarns is under normal tension and moving to a lower position when the tension in the sheet of yarns is reduced to maintain uniform tension on the sheet of yarns passing to said roll means of said size applicator.

20. A size applicator for applying size to a sheet of yarn comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) roll means positioned within said tank and at least partially submerged in the size solution for guiding the sheet of yarns through said size applicator to apply a predetermined amount of size thereto,

(c) means at the entrance of said size applicator for guiding the sheet of yarns to said roll means and for maintaining the individual yarns in uniformly spaced relationship, said guide means including (1) a pair of spaced apart guide rolls supported at substantially the same level, and

(2) a tension control roll supported for vertical movement between said guide rolls, the sheet of yarns passing over the guide rolls and beneath said tension control roll, and

(d) means supporting said guide rolls and said tension control roll for vertical adjustment relative to said roll means for varying the angle of the path of travel of the sheet of yarns from the last guide roll to the pointof contact with said roll means.

21. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a sheet of yarns comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) a first pair of squeeze rolls including (1) a lower squeeze roll partially submerged in the size solution, and

(2) an upper squeeze roll is substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll,

(c) pressure applying means associated with said first upper squeeze roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze roll to form a nip therewith,

(d) a second pair of squeeze rolls including (1) a lower squeeze roll spaced from said first lower squeeze roll and partially submerged in the size solution at substantially the same level as said first lower squeeze roll, said lower squeeze roll of said first and second pairs being of substantially the same diameter, and

(2) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical ialinement above said lower squeeze roll and being of substantially the same diameter as said first upper squeeze roll, the diameters of said upper squeeze rolls of said first and second pairs being less than the diameters of said lower squeeze rolls,

(e) pressure applying means associated with said second squeeze roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze roll to form a nip therewith,

(f) a combination immersion and squeeze roll positioned between said lower squeeze rolls, the diameter of said combination roll being greater than the space between said lower squeeze rolls and being less than the diameter of said upper squeeze rolls and said lower squeeze rolls, said combination roll being partially submerged in the size solution and having it rotational axis above the rotational axis of said lower squeeze rolls,

(g) means associated with said combination roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze rolls to form a pair of hips therewith and for lifting said combination roll out of pressure engagement and out of contact with said lower squeeze roll to maintain the same in spaced apart vertical position above said lower squeeze rolls,

(h) means for guiding the sheet of yarns into the size box and through the nip of said first pair of squeeze rolls to successively pass beneath said combination roll and through the nips of said combination roll with said lower squeeze rolls, and then through the nip of said second pair of squeeze rolls to provide four squeezing actions on the sheet of yarns, said guide means including (1) a pair of spaced apart guide rolls supported for rotation in advance of said first pair of squeeze rolls, said guide rolls being supported at. substantially the same level, and

(2) a tension control r-oll supported for vertical movement between and below said guide rolls, the diameter of said tension control roll being greater than the space between said guide rolls and limiting upward movement of said tension control roll, the sheet of yarns passing over the first guide roll, down beneath said tension control roll, and up over the second guide roll and to the nip of said first pair of squeeze rolls, said tension control roll normally being drawn upwardly toward said guide rolls when the sheet of yarns is under normal tension and moving to a lower position when the tension in the sheet of yarns is reduced to maintain uniform tension on the sheet of yarns passing into the nip of said first pair of squeeze rolls, 2

(i) means associated with at least one of said lower squeeze rolls for driving said rolls to pass the sheet of yarns through said size box at a predetermined speed, and

(j) means supporting said guide rolls and said tension control roll for simultaneous vertical adjustment relative to said roll means for varying the angle of the path of travel of the sheet of yarns from the last guide roll to the nip of the first pair of squeeze rolls.

22. A size applicator for applying size to a sheet of yarns comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a pre determined level,

(b) roll means positioned within said tank and at least partially submerged in the size solution for guiding the sheet of yarns through said size applicator to apply a predetermined amount of size thereto, and

(c) means at the entrance end of said size applicator for guiding the sheet of yarns to said roll means and for maintaining the individaul yarns in uniformly spaced relationship, said guide means includmg (1) at least one guide roll supported at substantially the same level as said roll means, and

(2) a tension control roll supported for vertical movement below said guide roll, the sheet of yarns passing beneath said tension control roll and up over said guide roll and to said roll means, said tension control roll normally being drawn up into substantial engagement with said guide roll when the sheet of yarns is under normal tension and moving to a lower position when the tension in the sheet of yarns is reduced to maintain uniform tension on the sheet of yarns passing to said roll means of said size applicator.

23. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a sheet of yarns normally traveling therethrough at high speeds and comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

19 (b) first and second spaced apart pairs of squeeze rolls,

each pair of squeeze rolls including (1) a lower squeeze roll at least partially submerged in the size solution, and (2) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll,

(c) pressure applying means associated with each of said upper squeeze rolls for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze rolls to form nips therewith,

(d) a combination immersion and squeeze roll positioned between said lower squeeze rolls, the diameter of said combination roll being greater than the space between said lower squeeze rolls,

(e) an immersion roll supported for rotation in spaced relation below said combination roll,

(f) means associated with said combination roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze rolls to form a pair of nips therewith, and

(g) means for directing the sheet of yarns into the size box and through the nip of said first pair of squeeze rolls to successively pass through the nip of said combination roll with the first lower squeeze roll, beneath said immersion roll, through the nip of said combination roll with the second lower squeeze roll, and then through the nip of said second pair of squeeze rolls to provide four squeezing actions on the sheet of yarns.

24. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a sheet of yarns normally traveling therethrough at high speeds and comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) first and second spaced apart pairs of squeeze rolls, pair of squeeze rolls including (1) a lower squeeze roll at least partially submerged in the size solution, and

(2) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll,

() pressure applying means associated with each of said upper squeeze rolls for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze rolls to form nips therewith,

(d) a combination immersion and squeeze roll positioned between said lower squeeze rolls, the diameter of said combination roll being greater than the space between said lower squeeze rolls,

(e) an immersion roll supported for rotation in spaced relation below said combination roll, the space between said lower squeeze rolls being greater than the diameter of said immersion roll,

(f) means associated with said combination roll and said immersion roll for raising the same upwardly to an inoperative position between said pairs of squeeze rolls and for lowering the same down to an operative position with said combination roll in pressure engagement against said lower squeeze rolls to form a pair of nips therewith, and

(g) means for directing the sheet of yarns into the size box and through the nip of said first pair of squeeze rolls to successively pass through the nip of 4 said combination roll with the first lower squeeze roll, beneath said immersion roll, through the nip of said combination roll with the second lower squeeze roll, and then through the nip of said second pair of squeeze rolls to provide four squeezing actions on the sheet of yarns.

25. A size applicator according to claim 24, wherein said means (f) includes bearing means supporting each end of said combination roll and said immersion roll, bearing support members extending over said tank and having their inner ends disposed inwardly of opposite sides of said tank, said bearing means for said combination roll being supported for limited vertical movement in the inner ends of said bearing support members, and said bearing means for said immersion roll being supported in a fixed position on the inner ends of said bearing 5 support members.

26. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a sheet of yarns normally traveling therethrough at high speeds and comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) first and second spaced apart pairs of squeeze rolls, each pair of squeeze rolls including (1) a lower squeeze roll at least partially submerged in the size solution, and

(2) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll,

(c) pressure applying means associated with each of said upper squeeze rolls for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze rolls to form nips therewith,

(d) an immersion roll positioned between said lower squeeze rolls and at least partially submerged in the size solution, and

(e) means for directing the sheet of yarns into the size box and through the nip of said first pair of squeeze rolls, beneath said immersion roll, and then through the nip of said second pair of squeeze rolls to provide submersion of the yarns between the squeezing actions on the sheet of yarns by the pairs of squeeze rolls.

27. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a sheet of yarns normally traveling therethrough at high speeds and comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) first and second spaced apart pairs of squeeze rolls, each pair of squeeze rolls including 1) a lower squeeze roll at least partially submerged in the size solution, and

(2) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll,

(c) pressure applying means associated with each of said upper squeeze rolls for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze rolls to form nips therewith,

(d) an immersion roll positioned between said lower squeeze rolls, the diameter of said immersion roll belilng less than the space between said lower squeeze ro s,

(e) means associated with said immersion roll for raisrng the same upwardly to an inoperative position between said pairs of squeeze rolls and for lowermg the same down to an operative position at least partially submerged in the size solution, and

(f) means for directing the sheet of yarns into the size box and through the nip of said first pair of squeeze rolls, beneath said immersion roll, and then through the nip of said second pair of squeeze rolls to provide submersion of the yarns between the squeezing actions on the sheet of yarns by the pairs of squeeze rolls.

28. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a sheet of yarns normally traveling therethrough at high speeds and comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) a first lower squeeze roll at least partially submerged in the size solution,

(0) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical alinement above and normally in pressure engagement with said lower squeeze roll to form a nip therewith,

((1) means associated with said upper squeeze roll for raising the same out of pressure engagement with said first lower squeeze roll,

(e) a second lower squeeze roll at least partially submerged in the size solution and at the same level as said first lower squeeze roll, said second lower squeeze roll being spaced from said first lower engagement with said first lower squeeze roll to form a nip therewith,

(e) a second lower squeeze roll at least partially submerged in the size solution and at the same level as squeeze roll, said first lower squeeze roll, said second lower (f) a combination immersion and squeeze roll posisqueeze roll being spaced from said first lower tioned. between said lower squeeze rolls, the diameter squeeze roll, of said combination roll being greater than the space (f) a combination immersion and squeeze roll posibetween said lower squeeze rolls, tioned between said lower squeeze rolls, the diameter (g) an immersion roll supported for rotation in spaced of said combination roll being greater than the space relation below said combination roll, the space bebetween said lower squeeze rolls, tween said lower squeeze rolls being greater than (g) means associated with said combination roll for the diameter of said immersion roll, raising the same upwardly to an inoperative position (h) means associated with said combination roll and out of engagement with said lower squeeze rolls and said immersion roll for raising the same upwardly for lowering the same down to an operative position to an inoperative position between said pairs of with said combination roll in pressure engagement squeeze rolls and for lowering the same down to against said lower squeeze rolls to form a pair of an operative position with said combination roll in nips therewith, pressure engagement against said lower squeeze rolls (h) means associated with said pressure applying to form a pair of nips therewith, and means (d) and said means (g) for releasing the pres- (i) means for directing the sheet of yarns into the sure on said upper squeeze roll in response to raising size box and through the nip of said upper squeeze of said combination roll, and roll with said first lower squeeze roll to successively (i) means for directing thesheet of yarns into the size pass through the nip of said combination roll with box and through the nip of said upper squeeze roll said first lower squeeze roll, beneath said immersion with said first lower squeeze roll to successively pass roll, and then through the nip of said combination roll with said second lower squeeze roll to provide at least three squeezing actions on the sheet of yarns. 2%. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to through the nip of said combination roll with the first lower squeeze roll, and then through the nip of said combination roll with said second lower squeeze roll to provide at least three squeezing actions on the sheet of yarns. 31. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a sheet of yarns norm ally traveling therethrough at high speeds and comprising a sheet of yarns normally traveling therethrough at high speeds and comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) a first lower squeeze roll at least partially submerged in the size solution,

(c) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll,

(d) pressure applying means associated with said upper squeeze roll for urging the same int-o pressure (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a premerged in the size solution, determined level, (c) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical aline- (b) a first lower squeeze roll at least partially subment above said lower squeeze roll, merged in the size solution, (d) pressure applying means associated with said up- (c) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical alineper squeeze roll for urging the same into pressure ment above said lower squeeze rol-l, engagement with said first lower squeeze roll to form ((1) pressure applying means associated with said upper a nip therewith, squeeze roll for urging the same into pressure engage- (e) a second lower squeeze roll at least partially su-bment with said first lower squeeze roll to form a nip merged. in the size solution and at the same level therewith, as said first lower squeeze roll, said second lower (e) a second lower squeeze roll at least partially subsqueeze roll being spaced from said first lower merged in the size solution and at the same level as squeeze roll, said first lower squeeze roll, said second lower squeeze (f) a combination immersion and squeeze roll posiroll being spaced from said first lower squeeze roll, tioned between said first and second lower squeeze (f) acombination immersion and squeeze roll positioned rolls, between said lower squeeze rolls, the diameter of said (g) means associated with said combination roll for 5Q combination roll being greater than the space between raising the same upwardly to an inoperative position said lower squeeze rolls, out of engagement with said lower squeeze rolls and (g) means associated with said combination roll for for lowering the same down to an operative position raising the same upwardly to an inoperative position with said combination roll in pressure engagement out of engagement With said lower q ze T0118 and against said lower squeeze rolls to form a pair of nips for lowering the same down to an operative position therewith, and with said combination roll in pressure engagement (h) means fo directing th h t f yarns i t th against said lower squeeze rolls to form a pair of size box and through the nip of said upper squeeze nips thereWith. roll with said first lower squeeze roll to successively drive 3118 normally being operative to drive both pass through the nip of said combination roll with f s id low r queeze rolls at the same speed, the first lower squeeze roll, and then through the nip 0) means associated With said drive means and of said combination roll with said second lower Said means (g) for relfiasing the driving C nnection squeeze roll to provide at least three squeezing actions Said first lower Squeeze P011 in response to raising on the sheet of yarns. of said combination roll, and 30. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a (l) means for directing the Sheet of Yarns into the silt} sheet of yarns normally traveling therethrough at high bOX and through the p of said pp Squeeze T011 speeds and comprising with said first lower squeeze roll to successively pass (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a prethrough the nip of said combination roll with the first determined level, lower squeeze roll, and then through the nip of said (b) a first lower squeeze roll at least partially subcombination roll with said second lower squeeze roll to provide at least three squeezing actions on the sheet of yarns. 32. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a sheet of yarns normally traveling therethrough at high speeds and comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) a first pair of squeeze rolls including (1) a lower squeeze roll partially submerged in the size solution, and

(2) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll,

(c) pressure applying means associated with said first upper squeeze roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze roll to form a nip therewith,

(d) a second pair of squeeze rolls including (1) a lower squeeze roll spaced from said first lower squeeze roll and partially submerged in the size solution at substantially the same level as said first lower squeeze roll, and

(2) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll,

(e) pressure applying means associated with said second upper squeeze roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze roll to form a nip therewith,

(f) a combination immersion and squeeze roll positioned between said lower squeeze rolls, the diameter of said combination roll being greater than the space between said lower squeeze rolls, said combination roll being at least partially submerged in the size solution,

(g) means associated with said combination roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze rolls to form .a pair of nips therewith, the size solution being normally maintained at a level corresponding with the pair of nips formed by contact of said combination roll with said lower squeeze rolls,

(h) means for directing the sheet of yarns into the size box and through the nip of said first pair of squeeze rolls to successively pass beneath said combination roll and through the nips of said combination roll with said lower squeeze rolls, and then through the nip of said second pair of squeeze rolls to provide four squeezing actions on the sheet of yarns,

(i) means associated with at least one of said lower squeeze rolls for driving said rolls to pass the sheet of yarns through said size of box at a predetermined speed, the sheet of yarns being in constant engagement with rolls during its travel from the nip of the first pair of squeeze rolls to the nip of said second pair of squeeze rolls,

(j) expendible and contractible size displacement means at least partially submerged in the size solution, and

(k) means associated with said size displacement means for expanding the same to raise the size level above the nips formed by contact of said combination roll with said lower squeze rolls and for contracting said size displacement means to lower the size level below said nips.

33. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a sheet of yarns normally traveling therethrough at high speeds and comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) a first pairof squeeze rolls including (1) a lower squeeze roll at least partially submerged in the size solution, and

(2) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll,

() pressure applying means associated with said first upper squeeze roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze roll to form a nip therewith,

(d) a second pair of squeeze rolls including (1) a lower squeeze roll spaced from said first lower squeeze roll and at least partially submerged in the size solution, and

(2) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll,

(e) pressure applying means associated with said second upper squeeze roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze roll to form a nip therewith,

(f) a combination immersion and squeeze roll positioned between said lower squeeze rolls, the diameter of said combination roll being greater than the space between said lower squeeze rolls, said combination roll being at least partially submerged in the size solution,

(g) means associated with said combination roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze rolls to form a pair of nips therewith,

(h) means for directing the sheet of yarns into the size box and through the nip of said first pair of squeeze rolls to successively pass beneath said combination roll and through the nips of said combination roll with said lower squeeze rolls, and then through the nip of said second pair of squeeze rolls to provide four squeezing actions on the sheet of yarns, and

(i) means associated with at least one of said lower squeeze rolls for driving said rolls to pass the sheet of yarns through said size box at a predetermined speed, the sheet of yarns being in constant engagement with rolls during its travel from the nip of the first pair of squeeze rolls to the nip of said second pair of squeeze rolls.

34. A size applicator for uniformly applying size to a sheet of yarns comprising (a) a tank adapted to contain size solution at a predetermined level,

(b) a first pair of squeeze rolls including (1) a lower squeeze roll partially submerged in the size solution, and

(2) an upper squeeze roll in substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll,

(0) pressure applying means associated with said first upper squeeze roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeze roll to form a nip therewith,

(d) a second pair of squeeze rolls including (1) a lower squeeze roll spaced from said first lower squeeze roll and partially submerged in the size solution at substantially the same level as said first lower squeeze roll, said lower squeeze rolls of said first and second pairs being of substantially the same diameter, and

(2) an upper squeze roll in substantial vertical alinement above said lower squeeze roll,

(e) pressure applying means associated with said second upper squeeze roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze roll to form a nip therewith,

(f) a combination immersion and squeeze roll positioned between said lower squeeze rolls, the diameter of said combination roll being greater than the space between said lower squeeze rolls and being less than the diameter of said lower squeeze rolls, said combination roll being partially submerged in the size solution,

(g) means associated with said combination roll for urging the same into pressure engagement with said lower squeeze roll to form a pair of nips therewith,

(h) means for directing the sheet of yarns into the size box and through the nip of said first pair of squeeze rolls to successively pass beneath said combination roll and through the nips of said combination roll with said lower squeeze rolls, and then through the nip of said second pair of squeeze rolls to provide four squeezing actions on the sheet of yarns, and

(i) means associated with at least one of said lower squeeze rolls for driving said rolls to pass the sheet 25 26 of yarns through said size box at a predetermined 2,977,662 4/1961 Freeze et a1. 2828 speed. 3,036,359 5/1962 Cocker 28-28 References (:ited by the Examiner FOREIGN PATENTS UNITED STATES PATENTS 5 519,352 3/1955 y- 2,461,090 2/1949 Smith et a1 28-28 X e 2862280 12/1958 suggs W 28 28 MLRVIN STEIN, llmaly Examdler- 2,964,825 12/ 1960 Cocker 28-28 L. K. RIMRODT, Assistant Examiner.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent Noo 3,284,870 November 15, 1966 Ira L. Griffin It is hereby certified that error appears in the above numbered patent requiring correction and that the said Letters Patent should read as corrected below.

Column 7, line 4, for "squeze" read squeeze column 15, line 8, for "rotatational" read rotational column 16, line 50, after "said" insert first column 17, lines 3 and 4, after "control" insert roll column 18, line 55, for "individaul" read individual column 23, line 45, after "size" strike out "of"; column 24, lines 41 and 50, for "squeze", each occurrence, read squeeze line 65, for "roll" read rolls Signed and sealed this 12th day of September 1967.

( L) Attest:

ERNEST W. SWIDER EDWARD J. BRENNER Atteeting Officer Commissioner of Patents 

1. A SIZE APPLICATOR FOR UNIFORMLY APPLYING SIZE TO A SHEET OF YARNS NORMALLY TRAVELING THERETHROUGH AT HIGH SPEEDS AND COMPRISING (A) A TANK ADAPTED TO CONTAIN SIZE SOLUTION AT A PREDETERMINED LEVEL, (B) FIRST AND SECOND SPACED APART PAIRS OF SQUEEZE ROLLS, EACH PAIR OF SQUEEZE ROLL INCLUDING (1) A LOWER SQUEEZE ROLL AT LEAST PARTIALLY SUBMERGED IN THE SIZE SOLUTION, AND (2) AN UPPER SQUEEZE ROLL ENGAGEABLE WITH SAID LOWER SQUEEZE ROLL, (C) MEANS CREATING PRESSURE ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN THE UPPER AND LOWER SQUEEZE ROLLS TO FORM YARN SQUEEZING NIPS THEREBETWEEN, (D) A COMBINATION IMMERSION AND SQUEEZE ROLL POSITIONED BETWEEN SAID LOWER SQUEEZE ROLLS, (E) MEANS FOR CREATING PRESSURE ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN SAID COMBINATION ROLL AND SAID LOWER SQUEEZE ROLL TO FORM A PAIR OF YARN SQUEEZING NIPS THEREBETWEEN, AND 